§ MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention has been called to the statement in The Times of the 9th instant that—
The Protestant church which was built at Athea, in the west of the County Limerick.… was entered on Sunday night …. the memorial stained-glass window, erected by Archdeacon Goold in memory of some of his family, smashed with stones…. The Bible was also torn from the lectern, the seats knocked about, and the interior of the building disfigured and outraged;whether, if this report is true, he can give any information as to the cause of these outrages; and, what steps have been taken to bring the perpetrators to justice?
§ MR. ABRAHAM (Limerick, W.)Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that Question, I wish to know whether he has received a copy of a telegram received from the parish priest, in which he states that the utmost indignation prevails among the Catholic inhabitants of the town; and, also, whether a public meeting was held yesterday, at which strong resolutions were passed condemning this outrage, and offering a reward for the discovery of the perpetrators; also, whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the utmost cordiality has prevailed among the Catholic and Protestant inhabitants for the last 50 years?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I have received the telegram referred to, and which I thank the hon. Member for having sent me. I also heard of the meeting which was held yesterday. The outrage is believed to have been the work of some drunken boys. I am happy to say that the police authorities 183 do not think it has any political or sectarian character. Four persons are in custody, and will be brought before the magistrates this week.